Topical Encyclopedia The altar built by Gideon is a significant event in the biblical narrative, found in the Book of Judges. This altar marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, reflecting themes of divine encounter, obedience, and transformation.Context and Background The account of Gideon is set during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. The Israelites had turned away from God, leading to their subjugation by the Midianites. In response to their cries for help, God raised up Gideon as a judge to deliver His people. Divine Encounter Gideon's encounter with the Angel of the LORD is recorded in Judges 6. The Angel appeared to Gideon while he was threshing wheat in a winepress, a sign of the oppressive conditions under Midianite rule. The Angel addressed Gideon with the words, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Despite his initial doubts and feelings of inadequacy, Gideon was chosen to lead Israel against their oppressors. Construction of the Altar Following this divine encounter, Gideon sought confirmation of his calling. After receiving a sign from God, he was instructed to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. In its place, Gideon was to build an altar to the LORD. Judges 6:24 records, "So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites" . Significance of the Altar 1. Obedience and Faith: Gideon's construction of the altar demonstrated his obedience to God's command, despite the potential backlash from his family and community. This act of faith was a public declaration of allegiance to the LORD, setting the stage for Israel's deliverance. 2. Covenant Renewal: The altar symbolized a return to the worship of the one true God, rejecting the idolatry that had ensnared Israel. It was a physical manifestation of the covenant relationship between God and His people, calling them back to faithfulness. 3. Divine Assurance: Naming the altar "The LORD Is Peace" reflected Gideon's newfound assurance in God's presence and promises. It was a testament to the peace that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty and provision. 4. Transformation and Leadership: The altar marked the beginning of Gideon's transformation from a hesitant individual to a courageous leader. It was a turning point that empowered him to rally the Israelites and lead them to victory over the Midianites. Legacy The altar built by Gideon stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of obedience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of tearing down idols and renewing one's commitment to God. Through Gideon's account, believers are encouraged to trust in God's calling and to act in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Nave's Topical Index Judges 6:26,27And build an altar to the LORD your God on the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which you shall cut down. Nave's Topical Index Library Gideon's Altar The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones. Jehovah Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution. Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Chapter iv The War of Truth The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. Faith Resources What does the Bible say about altar calls? Are altar calls biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |
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